Showgirls from all over south-eastern NSW will gather in Bungendore on Saturday to compete for the right to represent the region at the state-wide finals at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show.
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Queanbeyan will be represented by Keeley Pasfield from Carwoola who works in town as an exercise physiologist.
Ms Pasfield was actively involved in the Queanbeyan Show for many years before a friend and former showgirl, Millie McInnes, recommended she entered the competition.
The showgirl competition is aimed at finding an ambassador for women in rural NSW to represent the needs of those who live remotely.
The official rules of the competition also state the winner must be articulate, presentable and have a pleasant personality.
Ms Pasfield said, considering her profession, she was particularly passionate about rural health issues.
She said if she won she would use her platform to improve access to health services and facilities for those in rural NSW. She added that mental health for Australians in remote areas was of particular concern.
The Queanbeyan Show did not hold an official showgirl competition last year due to a lack of entrants.
Ms Pasfield said she was disappointed to not have the opportunity to compete against other young women from the area.
She said she hoped to boost the popularity of the competition so that it was viewed as an integral part of the local show as it had been in years past.
The competition consists of an interview in front of a panel of judges, a public interview and a luncheon where the women are judged on how they conduct themselves.
Ms Pasfield said she was feeling confident but a little nervous ahead of Saturday but was thrilled at the opportunities being a showgirl had already provided her and was excited to see what would happen moving forward.
